The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Can the Minister for the Status of Women advise -

I. How many shelters does the Government fund for the protection of victims of domestic violence?

II. What funding did they receive in the years -

(a) 2002-2003;

(b) 2003-2004;

(c) 2004-2005; and

(d) 2005-2006?

III. What amount is budgeted for 2006-2007?

IV. What was the outcome of the Family Court pilot program looking at providing support through the court process for culturally and linguistically diverse women undertaken last year?

Answer (24 JULY 2007)

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): The Minister for the Status of Women has advised that: I. Hon Jay Weatherill MP, Minister for Families and Communities has provided the following response.

There are 22 domestic violence services funded under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP).

II. Hon Jay Weatherill MP, Minister for Families and Communities has provided the following response.

(e) Hon Jay Weatherill MP, Minister for Families and Communities has provided the following response.

The amount budgeted for 2006-2007 is $7,054,800.

IV The Women’s Information Service has started providing a Court Support Service to women who are attending the Family Court. The program is aimed at women who have experienced domestic violence or who are fearful to go to the Court alone.

The Program was established through a working group comprising the Women’s Information Service, the Women’s Legal Service, the National Council for Single Mother’s and their Children, the Victim Support Service and the National Abuse Free Contact Campaign.

To date 38 court support sessions have been provided to women, sometimes with one woman receiving multiple support sessions from a court support volunteer.

An evaluation of the Program is currently being conducted and should be finalised in the near future.”